Prescription Drug Abuse
Written by Cheryl Hitchcock
What do you think of when you hear the words 'drug addict'? Do all kinds of scary images come to mind? In my 13 years of working with people who have addictions, each one of them has been an ordinary human being caught up in extraordinary situations. Not one of them has ever wanted to grow up to be a drug addict. These people come from all walks of life, all demographics and who may be functioning or non-functioning with regards to their lives, jobs, etc.
One group of addictions that have been underestimated is prescription drug abuse. There seems to be a different mindset with regards to this addiction mainly because prescription drugs are seen as helpful, not harmful and that they are given to us by doctors so they are safe. This could not be farther from the truth.
Prescription drug use is on the rise in the arena of drug abuse. This is mostly due to the improper use of these drugs and the type of drugs themselves. Prescription drugs that most commonly become addictive are 'narcotic' based drugs. These drugs are painkillers mostly, but others are for anxiety, sleep disorders, muscle relaxers as well as stimulant and depressive drugs.
Two factors usually come into play when an addiction is formed by use of prescription drugs. One way being that the drug is taken improperly. This means that some people, especially the elderly or people suffering with cognitive disorders may forget if they've taken the pills and take more, or take them in a way that was not prescribed, leading to doubling and even tripling the amount that was prescribed. This can have devastating effects. They may take other peoples prescription meds that are not suitable for them, even though they have the same symptoms.
Another way is that people become addicted to the 'effects' and sometimes 'side effects' of the medication. They like the fact that they can relax without worries when they take their meds, or that the pain goes away and also gives them a euphoric feeling. They then start taking the medication whenever they want to reproduce those effects, regardless of whether they are in pain, can't sleep, or whatever the original issue was.
If you or someone you know is addicted to prescription drugs, please call for help, or tell your doctor. This is serious and can be life threatening. You can call Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000 for information about the drugs and their effects or you can call any drug treatment centre. The phone number for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) which can provide information and treatment is 416-535-8501 or 1-800-463-6273. Keep your face to the sunshine.
Article author
About the Author
Cheryl has been a certified clinical counsellor for over 12 years. Her experience and education are in the areas of counselling, developmental disabilities, mental health and addictions. Cheryl also holds a specialized forensic certification in the areas of high risk sexual behaviours and anger management. In addition, Cheryl also has many years of experience and training as a Spiritual Coach, studying spiritual philosophies under the guidance of Buddhist Monks.
Cheryl uses a diverse repertoire of skills that enable her to guide individuals so that they can foster healthy, positive and sustainable change in their lives and foster the ideal vision of their existence.
Cheryl adds a component of spirituality to her practice in respect to positive and negative energy flow and how our thoughts, emotions, and actions relate to whether we manifest positive or negative influences in our lives. Using her spiritual philosophy for many years with successful results, Cheryl now incorporates this as well as other diverse spiritual aspects in her counselling to help people manifest their ideal lives.
Cheryl has also practices in the area of women's issues and what we can expect in our developing lifespan. Her outcomes have produced positive results, as well as sustainable change.
With two years of nursing, behaviour modification, augmentative communication (the study of non-verbal communication), and three years of pharmacology education, Cheryl is proficient in related areas of overall health and wellbeing.
As well as counselling and coaching, Cheryl also conducts workshops and seminars pertaining to elements of behavioural change as well as motivational speaking.
You can contact Cheryl at www.integritycounsellingservices.com or 416-919-9831
Further reading
Further Reading
Article
Legal Guide: Selling Diabetic Test Strips in the U.S. Safely and Responsibly
The Unexpected Value in the Medicine Cabinet In households across the country, life with diabetes often involves a constant influx of supplies. From monitors to lancets, the logistics of managing blood sugar are intense. Often, due to changes in insurance coverage, a shift in a doctorâs recommended brand, or a transition to a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), many people find themselves with a surplus of boxes sitting in a drawer. For a long time, these boxes were simply di
February 20, 2026
Article
Why Your Cat Sheds So Much (And What You Can Actually Do About It)
If you've ever pulled a black shirt out of the closet only to find it coated in a fine layer of cat fur, you already know the struggle. Shedding is one of those things nobody really warns you about before you bring a cat home. Sure, you expect a little fur here and there. But entire tumbleweeds rolling across your hardwood floor? That catches people off guard. Here's the thing â shedding is completely normal. Cats lose old or damaged hair as part of their natural growth cyc
February 16, 2026
Article
Low-Maintenance Garden Ideas for Busy Highett Families
In the fast-paced lifestyle of Highett, where balancing work, school, and family time can be challenging, maintaining a lush and beautiful garden often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. However, having a green and inviting outdoor space doesnât have to mean hours of upkeep. With smart design choices and the right plants, you can create a stunning, low-maintenance garden that fits seamlessly into your busy family life. Choose Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants For Highe
October 29, 2025
Article
5 Healthy Moves to Make in 2026
As 2026 begins, many of us feel the familiar push to "start fresh." But lasting wellness isn't about ove ight changes or short-lived resolutions—it's about small, meaningful actions that improve both your physical and mental health. Whether you're ready to overhaul your routine or simply add better habits to your day, here are five smart, sustainable moves to make this year your healthiest yet. - Make Your Dental Health a Priority Your smile says a lot about your health—and
October 28, 2025